Question

How is deglutition controlled? (HINT: What body systems function in control?)

Answer 1

Deglutition or swallowing is the passage of food from the mouth into the oesophagus through the pharynx.
The deglutition in the mouth is voluntary and requires coordination of medial temporal lobe and limbic system. It includes involvement of by cranial nerves V(trigeminal), VII(facial) and XII (hypoglossal).
Once the food reaches the back of tongue and into the pharynx it is controlled by the medulla of brainstem that initiates palatine reflex. This is controlled by cranial nerves V (trigeminal), VII (facial), IX (glossopharyngeal), X (vagus) and XII (hypoglossal).

The food from pharynx passes into oesophagus which controlled by swallowing centre in the medulla and cranisl nerves lX (glossopharyngeal) and X (vagus).